Saffron Mussels in Sauce (Cozze in Salsa di Zafferano)
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Olive oil | 5 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons (chopped) |
| Saffron | 1 sachet (or 1 teaspoon) |
| Mussels | 1 kg (cleaned and prepared) |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| White wine | 80 ml (or about 1/3 cup) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Instructions
To prepare Saffron Mussels in Sauce, start by cleaning the mussels. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Use a knife to scrape off any impurities on the mussel shells, and remove the beard (or “byssus”) by gently pulling it off with your hands. Next, use a stiff brush to scrub each mussel under water to ensure it’s clean. Once cleaned, set them aside.
In a large non-stick pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat. Add the bay leaves and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the cleaned mussels to the pan. Cover and cook the mussels until they have opened up. Once they’re all open, remove the mussels from the pan, discarding the half of the shells that contain no mussel, and set them aside, keeping them warm.
Now, take the remaining cooking liquid from the mussels and allow it to reduce for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Dissolve the saffron in a small amount of the mussel liquid, then add it to the pan to form a thick, flavorful sauce. Continue to cook the sauce until it reaches a creamy consistency, then remove the bay leaves.
Place the mussels back into the pan, allowing them to soak in the delicious saffron sauce. Transfer the mussels to a serving dish and generously drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve the Saffron Mussels immediately while hot and enjoy this exquisite and aromatic dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of mussels with the rich flavor of saffron. A true Mediterranean delight!
This delightful recipe is a perfect dish for seafood lovers and is ideal for any occasion, from casual dinners to more refined gatherings. The mussels’ natural brininess harmonizes beautifully with the creamy saffron sauce, making each bite a memorable experience.
